YWCA of the Greater Capital
Region, Inc.
Contact: Malissa Pilette-McClenon
(518) 274-7100
malissap@ywca-gcr.org
The YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Since 1883, the YWCA has been meeting the needs of women in Troy and throughout the Capital Region. Today, the YWCA is the area’s largest provider of supportive housing for women and their children.
Women come to the YWCA at various stages of their lives and for numerous reasons. Some stay for just a few weeks, some for many years. All of them are surrounded by the supportive services they need in order to become strong, capable, and contributing members of the community. The YWCA staff can arrange for a variety of supportive services, such as financial literacy, job skills training, referrals for mental health or chemical addiction treatment, and advocacy in Family Court and with other agencies, just to name a few. Not all the residents need all of the available services, but there is one thing that every single woman receives: hope.
The goal of the YWCA is to surround all of its residents with 360 degrees of support — a range of services aimed to address each woman’s individual needs:
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING has been proven to be the most effective method of reducing homelessness, when coupled with services that target specific needs. The YWCA has 94 on-site units and seven family apartments scattered throughout the community.
READY FOR WORK is a 12-week intensive job training program that prepares women for permanent jobs that pay a sustainable wage. Women learn basic work skills, interviewing techniques, financial literacy, and computer skills.
READY FOR SCHOOL encourages educational growth while providing support, resources, and skills women need to further their education, overcome barriers, and reach their educational and life goals.
READY FOR LIFE encourages health and wellness while providing the support, resources, and skills women need to identify their short- and long-term goals. It teaches them about engaging in specific activities that will help them overcome obstacles and ultimately assist them in reaching their goals.
MY SISTER’S CLOSET is an on-site boutique where women can get free “gently used” professional clothing.
SALLY CATLIN RESOURCE CENTER offers computers and other resources to assist residents and community members in searching for jobs or exploring services available to them.
FOOD PANTRY is open to all residents of Rensselaer County.
COMMUNITY MEALS provide free nutritious meals every Thursday evening throughout the year.
For more information, or to find out ways you can help, contact the YWCA at (518) 274-7100 or email malissap@ywca-gcr.org.